Brief update: 2017 Afar Drought Response

Two devastating droughts struck the Afar region of north-east Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017. In response, Ethiopiaid Canada worked with our local partner APDA (the Afar Pastoralist Development Association) to support the construction of three huge earthen dams in 2017, each with a capacity of 7,200 m3.

Most people living in the Afar region are pastoralists, relying on their animals for survival. Losing their herds to drought is a real threat to both their livelihoods and lives.

Thanks to these dams, in 2017 and 2018 at least 6,600 people have benefited from fresh water, increased food security, and resilience. Up to 22,200 animals were provided with enough water to recover and provide valuable milk. Women, who typically walk up to 16 hours to collect water in the dry season, particularly felt the benefit of easier access to water.